Ergonomic and secure computer workstation and method of selection between numerous workstations

ABSTRACT

A figure-shaped ergonomic and secured computer workstation, or a plurality of such workstations with different features is installed in a location. The figure-shaped computer workstation is made of hollow tubes arranged at such a configuration as to create a figure-like frame. A computer monitor is mounted on a support at a location relating to the head, and a keyboard is mounted at a location relating to the hands creating an ergonomic figure-like computer support. Part of the power cable distribution connecting the different elements to the power network travels within the hollow frame tube and the frame is also equipped, when appropriate, with one or several accessories or any other visual design feature, such as color, frame orientation, to help associate the workstation with a contemplated use of the computer in the workstation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to computer workstations, and more particularly to a secure figure-like ergonomic computer workstation and the method of use of a plurality of such workstations in a location to guide users to predetermined workstations based on a visual association of external features with a contemplated use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computers are used in a wide variety of fields ranging from employment, recreation, study, research, and even therapeutic aides. While designers and engineers work to miniaturize computers, an ever-increasing need for complex and multi-tasking applications and a ease of use of large workstations guards against the dramatic miniaturization of computers. The frontier between desk top computers, portable laptops and hand held devices is ever changing, but workstations where a computer processing unit (CPU) is accessed in a public or private setting remains an essential part of data collection and data distribution in our society.

In addition to being commonly available for a multitude of applications and in a variety of settings, personal computers are valuable and often singled out by thieves. This problem is amplified when a computer is accessible by the public or a small group of individuals. For this reason, computers must be secured to workstations and workstations in turn must be secured to locations where they are found.

Most inventions relate to desk-based workstations as improvements of table-like supports where a monitor, a CPU and a keyboard is located. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,640,199, 5,118,172, 5,174,223, 5,480,224, 5,450,800, 6,098,936, 6,298,794, 6,619,765, and 6,712,008 are illustrative of such inventions. Some uses, such the use by a bed stricken patient in a hospital setting, warrants mobile and portable workstations. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,630,566, 6,394,402, and 6,683,784, are illustrative of such inventions. Mobile workstations raise issues of security and theft even if the components are secured to a workstation that can be moved to a more discrete location where components can be unsecured. U.S. Pat. No. 4,638,969 illustrates a sturdy, enclosed support adapted to the manufacturing environment that offers theft protection; this invention is bulky, sturdy, and un-ergonomic and non-adapted for non-manufacturing environments. This non-ergonomic invention also fails to provide users information regarding a contemplated use and the configuration is a lateral arm where both the keyboard and the monitor are attached. If two or more of the workstations described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,638,969 are placed in a single location, potential users must rely on external information to decide what workstation is better adapted to their contemplated use.

Camera systems or human surveillance are often not adapted to the protection of the simplest equipment on a permanent basis. Communities, who acquire workstations and personal computers to be used by a multiplicity of users, first have to find a secure location where supervision is possible. Since a very limited selection of personal computer design is available, communities who would like to dedicate different workstations to contemplated uses often resort to paper signs, verbal instructions or simply end up installing all contemplated uses on each workstation. A sports club wishing to dedicate one workstation to baseball registration, a second to football registration, and a third to basketball registration, is currently unable to convey the information without resorting to auxiliary means.

In these respects, the ergonomic and secure computer work station according to the present invention as described hereafter substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus and associated method of services, primarily developed for the purpose of enabling a user to select and use ergonomically a personal computer in a social and cordial setting while offering at the same time an adequate theft protection for the owner of the computer.

While these devices fulfill their respective particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents to do not disclose a new secure workstation support ergonomically designed to offer comfort of use, insuring that the support harmonizes with social surroundings, and provides visual information about a possible contemplated use of the CPU, while preventing theft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A figure-shaped ergonomic and secure computer workstation, or a plurality of such workstations with different features installed in a location, achieves the foregoing and also has other advantages. The figure-shaped computer workstation is made of hollow tubes arranged in such a configuration as to create a figure-like frame. A computer monitor is mounted on a support and secured using a securing means on the figure-like frame at a location on the frame relating to the head of the figure-like figure. A keyboard or other information entry device is mounted on a support and secured using a securing means at a location on the frame relating to the hand of the figure-like figure. The figure-like frame is secured to a location with a base and a securing means.

The Computer Processor Unit (CPU) is also functionally connected and secured to the figure-like frame, and part of the power cable distribution connecting the different elements to the power network travels within the hollow frame. The frame is also equipped, when appropriate, with one or several accessories or any other visual design feature, such as color, frame orientation, to help associate the workstation with a contemplated use of the computer in the workstation.

By using a figure-like frame, the computer monitor located at the top end of the figure-like frame, and the keyboard located at the extremity of a figure-like hand tube is ergonomic positioned at the height of the head of a user, and the hands of the user respectively. By using a figure-like frame, proportions of a human are automatically obtained, and a user standing before a similarly standing figure-like workstation will look directly at the monitor while naturally typing on the keyboard.

By associating the accessories or design features to a contemplated use, users may be instantly directed to a specific workstation. For example, the owner of a hotel may want customers of all ages to freely access in their lobby four secure workstations to register for pool activities where a first would be dedicated to boys age of 4-14 years, a second for girls age of 4-14 years, a third for men age 15 years and up, and a fourth for women age 15 years and up. Two smaller figure-like frames would be built for the children workstations and two larger ones for the adult workstations. Design features would associate a sex with each figure, such as the color, some garment or expression. Each figure could also hold a symbol or lettering associated to the pool at this hotel. This invention secures personal computers to a location where risks of thefts are apparent, ergonomically provides workstations adapted to users, and guide users toward the workstation dedicated to a specific contemplated use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention may be derived from the detailed description and the claims when considered in connection with these figures. The reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the figures, and:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a figure-like ergonomic computer workstation equipped with a symbol accessory according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the figure-like ergonomic computer workstation equipped with a sports accessory according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear isometric detailed view of the computer processing unit and the computer monitor support according to the present invention as illustrated generally in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom isometric detailed view of the keyboard support and the keyboard fixation means according to the present invention as illustrated generally in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a kneeing figure-like ergonomic computer workstation equipped with a sports accessory according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing a series of method steps performed to implement the method for selecting between differently designed figure-like workstations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Where reference numerals represent the same elements in all of the views, FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a figure-like ergonomic computer workstation equipped with a symbol accessory. FIG. 2 illustrates a side-view of a figure-like ergonomic computer workstation equipped with a sports symbol accessory. A wide variety of figure-like computer figure-like supports 1 can be conceived based on the creative elements of an artist, such as human figures, animal figures, extra-terrestrial figures, celebrity-figures, etc. The figure-like computer support 1 of FIG. 1 illustrates a standing person with a leg off the ground. FIG. 5 illustrates a second possible position of a humanoid figure in a kneeling position. In the best mode contemplated by the inventor, the figure-like computer support 1 is a human figure either standing or kneeling.

The figure-like computer support 1 is made of a plurality of hollow tubes. In the best mode contemplated, the tubes are painted steel. The hollow tubes allow for the internal passage of cables when needed to improve appearance, to protect cables and also to reduce the weight and manufacturing costs of the figure-like computer support. While a hollow tube section is illustrated, any metallic, plastic or ceramic profile with varied geometry may be used to achieve the same result. For the purpose of this application, the term tube is not limited to a circular profile but may include mechanically strong profiles with a closed internal section or an open profile where cables would be covered by a second segment.

A plurality of different assembly methods may be contemplated to describe a figure-like computer support 1. In a first method illustrated by FIG. 1, a frame 16 is composed of an essentially vertical hollow tube 2, having two ends, the first end 3 located at the lower extremity corresponding to the foot of the figure-like computer support 1, a second end 4 located at the higher elevation and corresponding to the neck area on the figure-like computer support 1. The essentially vertical hollow tube 2 provides for a vertical elevation of the figure-like computer support 1 and is shaped according to the body shape given to the frame 16, as a consequence, the first end 3 is located at a lower elevation than the second end 4. A second essentially horizontally connected hollow tube 5, has two ends 6, 7. Both ends correspond in relation to the frame 16 to the location of a right and left hand respectively. The essentially vertical hollow tube 2 intersects the essentially horizontally connected hollow tube 5 at a junction point 8 at such a distance between both ends 3, 4 of the essentially vertical hollow tube 2 as to create a figure-like computer support 1. Both segments of the essentially horizontally connected hollow tube 5 may be oriented in any direction, based on the requirements of the figure-like computer support 1, for example, the preferred embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 both illustrate a first end 6 of the essential horizontal hollow tube 5 in a lower vertical position than a second end 7. Much like the arms of a person, the figure-like computer support 1 may hold any position. While the angle of departure of the essentially horizontally hollow tube 5 from both sides of the junction point 8 can vary in incidence, the nature of arms in relationship with a body in order to create an figure-like computer support 1 gives an impression that the tube is horizontally connected. For this reason, the term essentially horizontally connected is defined as being connected at the junction point 8 at such an incidence angle to create the illusion that a figure-like character is created. In the best mode contemplated, the junction point is located half way on the essentially horizontally connected hollow tube 5 and at a fraction of the vertical elevation on the essentially vertical hollow tube 2 under the second end 4. The tubes are, in the best mode, welded at the junction point 8 but may be connected by any other mechanical means.

In a second method of assembly of the figure-like computer support 1, illustrated in FIG. 5, the frame 16 is composed of a figure-body tube 202, and four other tubes, namely two figure-legs tubes 203, 204 and two figure-arms tubes 205, 206 each of these four tubes are attached to the figure-body tube 202 at one end. Both figure-legs tubes 203, 204 are attached to a first end of the figure-body tube 207, and both figure-arms tubes 205, 206 are attached to the figure-body tube 202 at a second location 208 located between both ends of the figure-body tube 202. The orientation of each figure-arm and figure-leg tube may be positioned and oriented on the figure-like computer support 1 so as to create a figure-like frame 16.

Returning to FIG. 1, the figure-like computer support 1 is secured to a location 11 by a base 9 mounted on the frame 16. A securing means 10 is used to secure the base 9 to the location 11. In one preferred embodiment illustrated by FIG. 1, the base is welded to the first end 3, corresponding to the foot of the frame 16 of the essentially vertical hollow tube 2. In a second preferred embodiment illustrated by FIG. 5, two similar bases 9 are used and a series of bolt 10 secure the frame 16 to the location at each of the figure-legs tubes 203, 204. Once again, a plurality of attachments can be used to secure the frame 16 to the location 11 from any location on the frame 16.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the isometric figure-like ergonomic computer workstation equipped with a sports accessory 224. A power cable 22 as illustrated is functionally connected at a first extremity 23 to the computer processor unit 15 and to the local power network 24 at a second extremity 25. In the preferred embodiment, the computer processor unit 15 is located next to the computer monitor 13 on a support 19. Part of the power cable 22 is inserted inside the essentially vertical support hollow tube 2 illustrated as 26.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear isometric detailed view of the computer processing unit and the computer monitor support. A computer monitor support 12 is mounted on the second end 4 of the essentially vertical hollow tube 2 on FIG. 1. The computer monitor support 12 is also mounted on the second end of the figure-body tube 211 on FIG. 5. The computer monitor 13 is connected by a securing means to the computer monitor support 12. In the preferred embodiment, small bolts 14 are used to secure a flat screen monitor in place. A wide selection of securing means for small mechanical objects can be used to secure the computer monitor 13 to the computer monitor support 12 such as support vertical plates, metal clips, plastic ties, bolts, glue, magnets, etc. In the preferred embodiment, a computer processing unit 15 is mounted on a support 19, the computer processing unit 15 is secured to the support 19 by plastic ties 20. The computer processing unit 15 is functionally connected to the computer monitor by a monitor cable 215. Other locations are contemplated for securing the computer processing unit 15 on or in the vicinity of the figure-like computer support 1. A single computer processor unit 15 and computer monitor 13 as currently found in the marketplace would simply attach to the computer monitor support 12. In the preferred embodiment, part of the cable 26 is inserted within the frame 16.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom isometric detailed view of the keyboard support and the keyboard fixation means according to the present invention. The first end of the essentially vertical hollow tube 6 as illustrated on FIG. 1 or the second end of a figure-arm tube 205 as illustrated on FIG. 5 is equipped with a computer keyboard support 17. A keyboard 18 may be secured to the computer keyboard support 17 by a securing means. In the preferred embodiment, a two sided glued and shock absorbing mat 21 is used. Other securing means include, plastic ties, magnets, physical clamps, and bolts used in conjunction with holes 19 drilled in the computer support 17. While the use of a keyboard is viewed as the best mode contemplated by the inventor when data entry is needed, other data entry devices such as a mouse, a light pen, a visual movement detector, a portable device, and other such data entry devices, but not limited to said list, can be used when appropriate.

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a kneeing figure-like ergonomic computer workstation equipped with a sports accessory. Unlike FIG. 1 which illustrates a first model of figure-like computer support I equipped with a symbol accessory 224 located at the second end 7 of the essentially horizontally connected hollow tube 5, FIG. 5 illustrates a figure-like computer support 1 equipped with a sports accessory 224 located at the second end of a figure-arm tube 206.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing a series of method steps performed to implement the method for selecting between differently designed figure-like workstations 1. The object of the method is to use a plurality of figure-like computer support workstations as described in detail on FIG. 1 through FIG. 5 and use the distinguishing features such as color and scale along with symbols 224, 225, or frame 16 orientations to guide users toward a particular workstation. The method consists of a first step 101 where a contemplated use for each workstation, numbered as 1, 2, 3, . . . n is determined (n is defined as the total number of contemplated uses). For example, a gymnasium could determine it needs a workstation dedicated to the registration of baseball, football, basketball and hockey, in this example, n is four. Once n contemplated uses are known, a single or a plurality of distinguishing features are then associated with each use 102. Continuing the same example, the distinguishing feature could be clothing associated with each sport, a sports accessory or even the color associated locally to each team. The third step in the method consists in designing each individual workstation 103. In the same example, a baseball, a football, a hockey and a basketball could be selected. Each independent workstation is then produced 104 and displayed at a chosen location 105. Each workstation is secured to the location 106 and displayed so as to provide users with a view of all of the designed workstations 107. In the example, the gymnasium could select its lobby, install and secure to the floor each workstation and make sure that customers will simultaneously see from the entry door all four of the workstations. Access to each workstation must also be granted 108 in order to user to access the personal computers.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles and the method of use of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, operation and method shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A figure-like computer support for securing a work station in a non-manufacturing environment comprising: a essentially vertical support hollow tube having at least a first end, and a second end; a essentially horizontally connected hollow tube also having a first end, and a second end; said essentially vertical support hollow tube intersecting the essentially horizontally connected support hollow tube at a junction point located at such a position on both hollow tubes as to create a figure-like computer support; said junction point being located between both ends on each of the hollow tubes; a base rigidly connected to the first end of the essentially vertical support tube; a means of securing said base to a fixed location in a non-manufacturing environment; a computer monitor support connected to the second end of the essentially vertical support hollow tube; a computer monitor secured to the computer monitor support using a securing means; and a computer processing unit secured to the figure-like computer support; said computer processing unit being functionally connected to the computer monitor.
 2. The figure-like computer support of claim 1, wherein information is collected and processed by the computer processing unit by a means to enter information.
 3. The figure-like computer support of claim 2, wherein the means to enter information is a computer keyboard; said computer keyboard being secured to a computer keyboard support using a securing means, and said computer keyboard support is secured to at least to one end of the horizontally connected support hollow tube.
 4. The figure-like computer support of claim 1, further comprising a power cable with at least two extremities; a first extremity attached to a local power network, and a second extremity connected to the computer processor unit; a portion of the power cable located between both extremities being inserted within the essentially vertical hollow tube.
 5. A method for selecting between differently designed figure-like workstations, the method comprising the steps of: finding a different contemplated use for each workstation; determining distinguishing features associated with each contemplated use that may be associated with each figure-like workstation; designing and producing a different ergonomic figure-like computer support for each different contemplated use; placing the different ergonomic figure-like computer workstation in a single location; securing each different ergonomic figure-like computer workstation to their respective locations; insuring that all figure-like workstations at said location can be perceived from an access point; and allowing users to access the selected workstation for a contemplated use.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said location is an environment for studying.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein said location is an environment for research.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein said location is a business establishment.
 9. The method of claim 5, wherein said location is a student service center.
 10. An ergonomic and functionally associative figure-like computer support workstation, the support comprising: a figure-like computer support composed of at least five hollow tubes, a figure-body tube, two figure-legs tubes, and two figure-arms tubes; said five tubes forming the figure-like computer support each having two ends and arranged in a figure-like configuration where the figure-body tube is attached at a first end to a first end of both figure-legs tubes and at a second location situated between both ends of the figure-body tube to one end of the figure-arms tubes; a securing means attached to the figure-like computer support secured to a location where the support hollow tube is to be secured; a computer monitor support connected a second end of the figure-body tube; a computer monitor secured to the computer monitor support using a securing means; and a computer processing unit secured to the figure-like computer support; said computer processing unit being functionally connected to the computer monitor; and a functionally recognizable design feature associated a contemplated use of the computer processor unit.
 11. The figure-like computer support of claim 10, wherein information is collected and processed by the computer processing unit by a means to enter information.
 12. The figure-like computer support of claim 11, wherein the means to enter information is a computer keyboard support is connected at least a second end of a figure-arm tube; a computer keyboard secured to the computer keyboard support using a securing means.
 13. The figure-like computer support of claim 11, wherein the functionally recognizable design feature is a color.
 14. The figure-like computer support of claim 11, wherein the functionally recognizable design feature is a physical embodiment of an accessory used in association with the contemplated use of the computer processor unit.
 15. The figure-like computer support of claim 14, wherein the physical embodiment of an accessory is a sports accessory.
 16. The figure-like computer support of claim 14, wherein the physical embodiment of an accessory is an associable symbol. 